Nootropics have gained popularity in recent years because of their ability to enhance focus, alertness, and memory and ultimately increase productivity. However, not all of them are legal in the UK, and buying them can put you in a lot of trouble. In this article, we’ll explore what nootropics are legal in the UK, how they work, their potential side effects, and the best ones to buy.
[lwptoc]
What Are Nootropics?
Nootropics are dietary supplements, herbs, and prescription or over-the-counter medications that enhance cognitive function. They are commonly known as “smart drugs,” brain boosters, or “cognitive enhancers.” Many professionals from all walks of life take them to increase alertness, enhance memory, increase focus, and ultimately gain a competitive edge at work [1]. Nootropics are also common among students looking to score higher grades in their exams.
There are countless nootropics available in the market, but not all of them are safe and effective. It is advisable to seek advice from a doctor before taking anyone.
How Do Nootropics Work?
Like many other drugs, scientists do not fully understand the exact mechanism of action of “smart drugs,” but some believe they work by increasing the level of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, etc., in the brain. These neurotransmitters are known to influence various cognitive processes, including attention, motivation, memory, and wakefulness. Some nootropics work by increasing oxygen and blood flow delivery to the brain, which, in turn, enhances cognitive function.
It is worth noting that the effects of most nootropics are not permanent – they only provide cognitive enhancement for the duration they’re present in the bloodstream. It is important to consult a doctor before taking any nootropics.
Are Smart Drugs Legal in The UK?
The UK has strict laws concerning the purchase, sale, and use of “smart drugs.” While some nootropic supplements, such as Alpha Brain and Qualia Mind, are legal in the UK, some others aren’t. Also, most prescription nootropics, such as modafinil and armodafinil, among others, are legal, but they are classified as controlled substances. This means that potential buyers require a valid prescription from a doctor to get it [2].
Obtaining a prescription from a doctor involves booking an appointment and paying a visit on the scheduled date. The doctor will ask you questions about your sleep patterns and activity during the day, among others, to determine if you have a sleep disorder. Since the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency only approves these substances for treating sleep disorders, the doctor will only write you a prescription if you have a sleep disorder.
However, many “smart drug” enthusiasts explore other ways of getting the drug without visiting a doctor. They simply order them from overseas vendors who sell without a prescription. Many individuals with narcolepsy or other sleep disorders also buy modafinil online in the UK because it saves them time and money. It is worth noting that not all vendors can be trusted. Be sure to thoroughly review the services and track records of any online pharmacy you intend to patronize.
Review of the Best Legal Nootropics in the UK
There are several cognitive enhancement products in the UK, but if you are looking for the best legal nootropics that are likely to give you the results you desire, here are some of the best options:
Modafinil
Modafinil is a medication used to treat narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder (SWSD), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It also has cognitive-enhancing effects, so healthy individuals take it off-label to improve alertness, focus, and memory and ultimately increase productivity. Modafinil is probably one of the best nootropics available in the UK. It is safe, effective, well-tolerated, and has few side effects.
Upon administration, its effects typically set in within 30 to 60 minutes and last for about 12 to 15 hours. Most people who use it have given it a thumbs up based on its effectiveness and ease of use [3][4].
Armodafinil
Armodafinil is also a medication formulated to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. It has a chemical structure similar to modafinil, so it works similarly and provides the same effects. However, it is about 1.33 times stronger than racemic modafinil. This makes it a great option for individuals who do not find modafinil effective enough. Armodafinil can equally help boost memory, increase alertness, and enhance memory. Professionals from all walks of life who want to increase productivity, as well as students looking to achieve academic excellence, use it off-label [5][6].
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a natural nootropic that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress and enhance cognitive function. It is also known to improve memory and learning, improve attention, and increase information processing speed. While it is super-effective, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before taking it, especially if there is an underlying medical condition.
Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain is a dietary supplement formulated with a blend of safe and effective nootropic ingredients, including L-theanine, alpha-GPC, and Bacopa monnieri. It is specifically formulated to help increase focus, enhance short-term memory, and boost motivation to work. Most people who use it have given it a thumbs up based on its safety and effectiveness. In fact, since its introduction to the nootropic market, more than one million bottles have been sold.
Qualia Mind
Qualia Mind is also a nootropic supplement formulated specifically to enhance memory and reduce retention time. It contains citicoline and Bacopa, as well as vitamins, amino acids, herbs, and minerals as its active ingredients [7]. This product is relatively better than most other nootropic supplements in the market. Its effects kick in within 20 minutes and last for about 8 hours. It is safe, effective, well-tolerated, and has a high success rate. This means it is likely to work effectively for most people who use it.
Smart Drugs Side Effects
“Smart drugs” provide great benefits, but it is important to understand that they can also have side effects. The most common side effects associated with them include:
- nausea;
- insomnia;
- headaches;
- upset stomach.
People taking nootropics for the first time often experience one or more of these side effects. However, they are typically short-lived and disappear without treatment as the body adjusts to the active ingredient in the nootropic. Note that nootropics can cause more serious side effects, such as palpitations, anxiety, and hallucination, especially if they are used incorrectly. These sorts of adverse effects can become life-threatening if left untreated. It is advisable to seek urgent medical attention as soon as they surface.
Always consult your doctor before taking any medication, supplement, or health & wellness product.
Resume
Not all nootropics are legal in the UK. Prescription nootropics such as modafinil and armodafinil are legal, and they can be purchased from a brick-and-mortar pharmacy with a prescription. Nootropic supplements such as ashwagandha, Alpha Brain, and Qualia Mind are also legal and can be purchased over the counter.
If you decide to buy modafinil online in the UK, be sure to source them from trustworthy and reliable vendors that have a proven track record of selling high-quality pills and ensuring customer satisfaction. This way, you can rest assured you will get the real deal, which will help increase your productivity.
For nootropic food supplements, it is best to buy them directly from their manufacturer websites, as this approach guarantees affordability and high-quality products. Remember, it is always a great idea to consult your doctor before taking nootropics or any other substance intended to improve health and well-being.
References
- Nootropic. Retrieved: March 17, 2023. Wikipedia.org.
- What is Modafinil and what are the effects, dose, and risks? Retrieved: March 17, 2023. Drugscience.org.uk.
- How Long Does Modafinil Stay In Your System? By The Recovery Village. Retrieved: March 17, 2023. Therecovervillage.com.
- How long does Modafinil take to work? Retrieved: March 17, 2023. Ukmeds.co.uk.
- Armodafinil. Retrieved: March 17, 2023. Wikipedia.org.
- Armodafinil vs. modafinil: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you. By Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D. Retrieved: March 17, 2023. Singlecare.com.
- Safety and Efficacy Study of Qualia Mind on Cognition in a Healthy Population. Retrieved: March 17, 2023. Clinicaltrials.gov.